Thomas R Lynch, Jr, age 82, of Oxford, Florida passed away on February 5th, 2026.Tom, as he was known, was the oldest male in a family of 14.  He was born in New York, the second generation of an Irish immigrant family. A devoted member of his parish and lover of song, Tom was known for his deep baritone voice that resonated from the church choir to everyday celebrations.  He sang every Friday morning at his residence of Steeplechase and various choir groups throughout the Villages.  His melodic presence was a fixture of his social and spiritual life.  Tom served his community with distinction as a Nassau County police officer until an injury sustained in the line of duty forced his retirement.  Despite leaving the force he remained a 'cop's cop' at heart embodying the values of the service throughout his later years.  An avid golfer and man of many talents he spent his retirement years enjoying the greens, traveling overseas, an annual Volunteer work retreat in Wisconsin, the company of friends, and especially "Cruising with Carol", his partner for the last 20 plus years.Tom is preceded in death by his parent's father Thomas Sr, and mother Sally.  Also, by his sisters Sister Dorothy Lynch, SallyAnn Chasse and Dorothy Jordan.  He also lost his beloved wife Joyce Pores Lynch.Tom is survived by his loving and devoted partner Carol Spencer; daughters Susan Grasing, Trisha Maxwell, Christine Flynn and Jennifer Lee, their spouses and children., and ex-wife Joan Thorson. Along with brothers Timothy, Hugh and James Lynch, sisters Eileen Scheuring, CarolAnn Donnelly, Ann van Osnabrugge, Kathleen McCarrey, Elizabeth Lynch, Theresa Reeves and Jean Marlowe, including their spouses.  Tom had over 100 nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews of all ages.He will be greatly missed by Carol who "loved him dearly", and by all his friends and the staff at Steeplechase Retirement Living.Carol and the family wish to thank his Steeplechase friends for their continued love and much assistance they have shared these past years.A wake service will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home in The Villages on Thursday after February 12th from 2 til 4 PM. A prayer service will be held at 3:30 PM by his friends of Saint Mark's Catholic Church.Burial will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, North Lauderdale, Florida later in the week.